What to Expect on Your First Visit

We sincerely look forward to beginning our relationship with you and your family. Your health and quality of life are our first priority. As you await your first visit, there are things you can do to make the most of that initial meeting with your cardiologist.

Forms and Insurance Cards

If time allows (depending on the urgency of your appointment), we will email, fax and/or mail you a new patient packet. Among them you will find a medical history form and a registration form. Complete the packet and return it to our office prior to your visit.

If you are unable to complete the new patient packet and/or return it prior to your visit, please arrive 15 minutes early for your first appointment to complete the forms and allow our staff to input the information into your chart for our providers.

Bring your insurance cards and a form of identification.

Are All Forms Important?

Your history is extremely helpful to your new specialist in making a proper diagnosis.

Registration information is helpful in the event emergency medical personnel must reach us when you have a heart emergency. Registration information is also helpful in verifying insurance coverage and communicating with your medical team about your health.

Insurance information is helpful in getting payment from insurance companies that you would have to pay, and in getting you the best treatment and medication available.

Medical and Test Records

Bring the following to your first appointment:

All available medical records, including test results, surgeries, along with medical procedures, and diagnostic work-ups such as MRIs and lab reports.

A list of your medicines, or the medications themselves. Your pharmacy or primary health care provider can put together this information if you don’t have it. You may even want to throw them in a sealable bag and bring them along. It is important to include any vitamins and supplements. Make sure to include any medications that you were prescribed within the past year, even if you no longer take them.

Names and addresses of 1) your current primary care physician and 2) any other medical professional who has cared for you recently.

If you do not have your records: Contact the medical offices where you have been seen. Ask that copies of your records be sent to the office where your appointment is scheduled. You may also provide that information to us along with an executed Authorization to Release Medical Records so that we can obtain the records on your behalf.

Family medical history. Your family history is filled with important clues, so be thorough, especially including what you might know about instances of high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure among your close relatives.

During Your Appointment

Your appointment may include:

A complete cardiac exam

EKG

First appointments can take up to one hour, depending on whether diagnostic tests are recommended.

Your cardiologist is an important member of your care team — a team that centers around you and your health. Take full advantage of the time, develop a good personal connection, and remember that no matter how small the detail, there’s nothing too minor to bring up at your appointment. You never know what information could lead to the right diagnosis and treatment.